CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CONGENITAL SYPHILIS CASES IN THE STATE OF CEARÁ, BRAZIL, BETWEEN THE PERIOD OF 2019 TO 2023 (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Introduction: Syphilis is a systemic and sexually transmitted infectious disease caused by infection with the Gram-negative bacterium Treponema pallidum. Despite the existence of effective and low-cost treatment, it is still a serious public health problem. It is a pathology with vertical transmission to the fetus during the gestation period of a mother with untreated or inadequately treated syphilis and, through blood transfusion. Objective: To identify the occurrence of cases of congenital syphilis reported in the state of Ceará, from 2019 to 2023. Methodology: The research deals with an epidemiological study, of cases of congenital syphilis reported to the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) occurred in the state of Ceará (CE), from 2019 to 2023. Results and Discussion: Between the years 2019 and 2023, 5827 cases of congenital syphilis were reported in the state of Ceará. Regarding the classification of congenital syphilis cases, 5425 cases (91.10%) were confirmed as recent congenital syphilis, 8 cases (0.13%) confirmed as late congenital syphilis, stillbirth/abortion due to syphilis were 217 cases (3, 72%) and 177 cases (3.03%) discarded cases. These data prove that the disease occurs mainly in children under one year of age, as they are a more vulnerable group for morbidity and mortality, as many infants in this age group have an immature immune system. Conclusion: This work confirms that congenital syphilis is a disease, prevalent in newborns, infants and preschool children and that it has a high rate of stillbirths/abortions during pregnancy in women in Ceará, therefore, it is important to have a more efficient prenatal care both in detecting the disease and in its treatment.